Freed Hostage Expresses Gratitude and Faith After Release

After enduring unimaginable hardship in Hamas captivity, Daniela Gilboa, one of the IDF lookouts recently released, shared an emotional message of gratitude and faith. In a heartfelt Instagram post, she thanked the people of Israel for their unwavering support and emphasized that her deep belief in God sustained her throughout her ordeal.

“What a crazy year I have had, and I don’t know where to begin,” she wrote. “I think I will first say thank you to everyone. To the people who for a year and three months supported my family, who did not leave and did not despair or lose hope for a moment. Thank you for waiting for me, thank you for not believing the terrible rumors, thank you for continuing to pray for me during this entire period.”

Gilboa recalled the terrifying moments of October 7, when Hamas terrorists stormed the Nahal Oz army base. Hiding in a shelter with other soldiers, she turned to prayer.

“This was my last request before I was kidnapped. I did not want to despair and say goodbye, so instead, I prayed and believed with all my heart that my end was not there, in that shelter,” she wrote.

As chaos unfolded around her, Gilboa focused on faith. “I prayed for all the girls I was with for half an hour because I felt that I could not do anything better than that at the time. I couldn’t rely on the security that the army might give me and that it might come to protect me, I couldn’t rely on the security that the shelter might give me because it wasn’t just about missiles. I couldn’t at that moment rely on the few girls who were armed. I knew that the only thing that could save us was faith.”

On Shabbat morning, Gilboa and four fellow IDF lookouts and former hostages Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, Liri Albag, and Agam Berger recited the “Hagomel” blessing in synagogue, a prayer traditionally said to thank God for delivering someone from a life-threatening ordeal.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment since the day I survived October 7,” she shared. “To thank God, who, against all odds, saved us from the worst thing ever.”

Gilboa’s resilience and faith reflect the spirit of the Israeli people, who stand strong in the face of adversity. Her story is a reminder of the power of hope, unity, and unwavering belief.

Israel continues to stand with its heroes and remains committed to bringing all hostages home. Share this article and subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about Israel’s ongoing efforts.